CREW Crawford County

03/29/2026

Here is a small portion of the coordinated chaos at it's initial and early inception..... Before the actual activities began, the tables had to be pushed out of the way, chairs stacked up and out of the way, resting spots reserved, etc. This is all in my office, which was claimed by an amazing group of girls, and I was willing to let them have it for the night. All of this was to make room for the fun, games, snacks, singing, dancing, "sleeping", and overall character building, soul saving fellowship that took place last night. There was one AMAZING PROBLEM.... We had DOUBLE the amount of youth that we expected to show. We had to go and get double the pizza and breadsticks. We had figure out the logistics for more than double the kids we had in January. We had youth who have been coming to our regular CREW meetings, but never to a lock in, show up. We had youth who have never even been to a regular CREW meeting yet, show up. When I asked them if they would become regulars, they stated that they thought that they would. At pick up time I had a mother walk straight up to me specifically to shake my hand and give a true thank you for allowing her child to be involved. This was their first involvement with CREW and FUMC and I can assure you that it won't be their last. Much needed bonds were formed and they appreciated the efforts put forth for the program. On my desk is plaque that reads "Chaos Coordinator". Some days I feel this heavily 😆.... but the rewards are outweighing costs.

03/27/2026

Here's the haul for the lock in tomorrow..... Someone called me crazy this evening for having CREW Wednesday, Thursday, and then an overnight on Friday. I must say that I can agree with that statement a little, but it's hard for me to tell kids no. At least 2 new kids tonight, at least 2 more tomorrow, and the numbers grow all the time. Some nights we don't have a lot of kids, some nights we have enough that I could use 3 more helpers. Getting kids in front of the Lord, in front of adults who truly care, in an environment that they feel safe, and just being there for them. That's what it's all about for me, and for everyone who helps in the program. I can't thank those who have helped and offered support enough. I truly can't do it alone. If you want to donate your time for a quick lesson with the kids, offer to come play games, or even help pay for some of the goodies that help keep them coming, please let me know. For example, this haul from tonight was $120, plus probably about $120 worth of pizza tomorrow evening. This will continue to nourish not only the bodies of our youth, but keeps them coming for nourishment of their souls. Thank you for everyone's support!

03/04/2026

Planning an ice cream bar for the high schoolers tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4th) at 6:30!

Vanilla ice cream ✔️
Chocolate ice cream ✔️
Chocolate syrup ✔️
Caramel syrup ✔️
Strawberry syrup ✔️
M&Ms ✔️
Gummy bears & worms ✔️
Oreos ✔️
Chocolate chips ✔️
Rainbow sprinkles ✔️
Pink/purple sugar sprinkles ✔️

Now all that I need are a bunch of high schoolers to come and enjoy!

Did I miss anything? 😆 🤣

02/10/2026

Crawford County high schoolers are welcome to come and play pickleball inside the Crawford County Recreation Center at LTC on Sunday, February 15th from 1pm to 4pm. CREW is wanting to find area youth who are looking for a group to be involved with to gain Christian knowledge and support while participating in fun, games, activities, trips, fellowship, and community involvement. Please message with any questions!

02/08/2026

Please join us this coming Wednesday, 2/11/2026, for our Second Wed Dinner! For those who are unaware of what these dinners are about, they are free will donation / love offering fund raisers for various causes. This one just happens to be put on by the youth of CREW! Funds for CREW are used for such things as snacks, meals, tickets to events, games, supplies for lessons, and so many other great items for the kids. Several members of the church are donating both their time and the food we will be serving. I will also have several kids from the program that will be able to come to help cook, set up, serve, and clean up. We have planned for many, but running out of food would also symbolize that we have so many show up to support our growing youth program at the church. We hope to see you Wednesday!!

02/04/2026

Hey everyone, here is the schedule for K-8 through the end of March. The weeks that have both Wednesday and Thursday will have the same lesson both nights. Kids are always welcome at any of the nights we have it. The Wednesdays marked with 2nd Wed Meal are regular meal nights at rhe church at 5:30. I would actually encourage the kids to attend if they want. Otherwise theybate welcome to show up at 6:00 as usual and we'll meet upstairs. These meals are typically free will donation for various causes within the church. Let me know if you have any questions!

01/14/2026

Attention HIGH SCHOOLERS! I'm trying to get the high school age group of CREW up and going. I am wanting to have a meeting and a meal this Sunday evening at 6:00 with any high school students interested in attending. I just want to have a discussion about what CREW can provide for all involved. Please let me know if you can attend! Please share with those that might be interested!

01/03/2026

4:30am, 10.5 hours into the CREW lock-in, at least 5 or 6 kids still going, including the 2 youngest that decided to stay the night 😆. I've already had most of the kids ask when we're having the next one. I had one kid specifically say, "This is a really good way to make friends. I found my new best friend." I just found this note on my desk. These are just a few of the reasons I truly love being the youth pastor to these great kids. They are going to do great things and I'm just happy to play a small part in their lives.

12/29/2025

12/21/2025

For anyone wanting somewhere to celebrate Christmas Eve, please come join us!

Everyone is invited to join us next week for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service! It will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary at 201 W Walnut Street in Robinson, IL. You can also watch it live on our website, Facebook, or YouTube pages or listen to it on WTYE 101.7 FM.

🕯️ ❤️🎄

12/16/2025

CREW is meeting 2 nights this week! Wednesday and Thursday both from 6 to 7:30. The focus is simply fun, games, a Christmas movie playing, and puppy chow! In this busy world every person needs an evening of simple fun and fellowship with others. We will be working with the kids making one of my all time favorite desserts!

12/08/2025

I'm so proud of our kids for their efforts this morning! We took 3 car loads of kids to the store this morning to fill individual bags of goodies for Christmas for the NOW Program. Through this process they learned the importance of helping others, both with the essentials and some other fun items like toys, candy, fingernail polish, etc. They kids did a fantastic job and I am so happy we could be involved. The kids were given a budget and were allowed to do their own shopping with a little guidance. As a group we were within 13 cents of the budget. Can't wait to see what's next!